The city of Sanu buzzed with unusual movement that morning. It was the opening day of the Regional Tournament, and as always, the venue was right there — in the heart of the city, now transformed into a stage for dreams, rivalries, and triumphs. Colorful banners fluttered in the wind on the streets near the arena, while families, curious onlookers, and fans gathered in groups to watch the matches that would define the best team in the region.

The Sanu team's bus pulled up in front of the arena under the watchful eyes of dozens of people. Among them were familiar faces — friends, schoolmates, parents, and even former teachers — all waiting to see the hometown boys shine.

Kelvin was the first to step off, adjusting his backpack strap over his shoulder as he looked around. He immediately spotted his mom and dad waving from the crowd, and his heart pounded a little harder. This was different from anything he had ever experienced.

Right behind him came Kazana, with his usual serious expression, and Ian, already commenting loudly to Dante about the event's over-the-top decorations.

"If I knew they were gonna go all out like this, I'd have worn a suit" Ian said, laughing.

"You in a suit looks like a graduation waiter" Dante shot back, making a few teammates burst into laughter.

"You two, shut up" Kazana muttered, not even looking back.

Ian mimed zipping his lips but made a face the moment the captain turned around. Kazana didn't see it, but Oliveira, silent as always, caught the gesture and simply shook his head slightly.

The main gymnasium was spacious, with side bleachers already nearly full. Sanu's fans were the loudest, waving posters and wearing custom shirts, shouting the players' names as they walked down the corridor toward the locker room.

Kelvin didn't know where to look. He was both embarrassed and warmed inside. It was his first time playing a tournament of this level in front of so many people who knew him. And more than that — it was in his city.

The organizing committee announced the matches over the loudspeakers while the teams settled into their locker rooms. The format was simple: a round-robin. Four teams — Sanu, Zeltin, Uchi, and Zenkai. Three points for a win, one for a draw, none for a loss. At the end, the team with the most points would be crowned regional champion.

Sanu's first match would be against Zeltin. Kelvin and Ian already knew two players from that team: Bruno Rocco and Elias, the same ones they had beaten in the doubles tournament weeks ago. They were strong, but predictable. And now, with a complete squad, Kelvin knew things would be different.

"This is gonna be easy, huh?" Ian said, stretching in front of the locker room mirror.

"Confidence is good" Dante replied, pulling his knees to his chest.

"Man, stop being so dramatic, locker room philosopher" Ian replied with a crooked grin.

"Quiet", Kazana snapped, his tone sharp.

The mood shifted instantly. Kazana, although lenient during training, had established one unspoken rule on the Sanu team: in serious moments, do not disrespect the captain. His presence alone was enough to let everyone know when it was time to joke and when it was time to play for real.

Kazana stood up from the bench in the center of the locker room, crossed his arms, and stared at each teammate, one by one. His eyes swept through them like blades — firm, intense, capturing even the most distracted minds.

"Did you feel what's out there?" he said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "This city. That crowd. People shouting our names. We didn't have this feeling before, but this new chapter starting now is going to change everything"

He took a step forward and pointed toward the locker room door, through which the echo of the cheering crowd could still be heard.

"Everyone out there wants to see us win. But they also want to see us fall. Because now we're a target. Sanu has become a threat. And each of those three other teams will walk onto the field trying to prove we're still the same pushovers from before"

Dante nodded silently. Ian looked down. Even Kelvin, who had faced tough matches before, felt the weight of the words.

"Today begins our answer. Our story. This isn't about one or two players. It's about all of us. And no one — no one — is going to take this from us. Got it?"

"Yes", they all replied in near unison.

"Louder", Kazana demanded.

"YES!" the shout echoed with force, coming from every soul in that room.

That's when Rafael walked in, clipboard in hand. The coach had a restrained smile, like someone who knew the fire had already been lit even before he spoke.

"Good speech, captain", he said, giving Kazana a brief nod.

He turned to the group and held up the clipboard with the lineup drawn out.

"Now let's get down to business. This is the lineup for the match against Zeltin"

He paused and ran his finger down the paper's first row.

"In goal: Murilo"

The goalkeeper, sitting quietly in the corner, let out a soft "let's go!" with a clenched fist, but without fanfare.

"Center backs: Márcio and Oliveira. Full-backs: João Vitor on the right, Danilo on the left"

The two defenders clapped discreetly. João Vitor was already tapping his boots on the floor, impatient.

"In midfield: Dante as defensive mid. Ian and Rodrigo as central mids",

"Philosopher and clown, together again", Ian whispered, earning a light elbow from Dante.

"I heard that, Ian", Kazana muttered, coldly, without looking.

"Up front: Felipe on the right wing, Kelvin on the left... and Kazana as center forward", Rafael concluded.

A respectful silence settled over the locker room.

"You've been playing like a team. But now you'll need to be more than that. You'll need to be one. They're going to try to take you down with trash talk, physical play, because they know we came prepared. We're not the Sanu from past years. We're a new Sanu. And you're going to show why, for the first time in years, we are the favorites"

He lowered the clipboard.

"Everyone ready?" Kazana asked, locking eyes with his teammates.

"Ready", they answered almost in unison.

Kelvin looked around and felt that old flutter in his stomach. But it was different now. These were his friends — his allies.

And with that, the group left the locker room, one by one, with firm steps and focused eyes, ready for their first match of the tournament.

The tunnel leading to the field was narrow, but each step echoed like a drumbeat. When they finally passed through the curtain separating the gym from the court, the crowd erupted in cheers. Banners with names like Kelvin, Kazana, and even Ian waved proudly. Shouts of "Sanu! Sanu! Sanu!" thundered through the gym.

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